Uses of undefined

Trastuzumab Injection has been developed to treat solid tumors by injecting it as an intravenous infusion. Trastuzumab Injection has been approved to treat HER2 overexpressing breast cancer and stomach cancer (gastro-oesophageal Junction adenocarcinoma).

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Trastuzumab is available as multi dose vial injections in the doses 150 mg and 440 mg. It is intended for intravenous infusion only and not for IV push or bolus.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience breathlessness, fever, or infection. During the Trastuzumab injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cell counts, platelets, blood sugar, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure. Do not substitute trastuzumab with Ado- trastuzumab emtansine. Beware of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (low white blood cells) during this treatment. Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the ankles, palpitations, weight gain, dizziness or loss of consciousness.

Precautions

For female patients of reproductive potential, the healthcare provider will conduct a pregnancy test prior to initiating this treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you became pregnant within seven months of completing Trastuzumab treatment course. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of Trastuzumab Injection.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Trastuzumab Injection are headache, nausea, diarrhea, chills, fever, infection, insomnia, cough, rash, tiredness, anemia, weight loss, upper respiratory tract infection.

Word Of Advice

Trastuzumab can make you feel tired and dizzy, so you should avoid driving or handling machines. Apply cool compress to avoid injection site reactions. 

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Trastuzumab Injection used alone in the treatment of cancer?
• Trastuzumab Injection is indicated to treat breast and stomach cancer caused by the mutation of HER2 receptors. While it is mostly prescribed with other chemotherapeutic agents, it is also prescribed as a monotherapy.

• Is it safe to use Trastuzumab Injection during pregnancy?
• While for women with reproductive potential subjected to Trastuzumab Injection, it is advised to discuss with your doctor regarding the effective birth control methods during the treatment. Also, to be continued for a minimum of 6 months after the treatment course completion as this medicine may impair fertility. 

• What should you avoid during trastuzumab injection treatment?
• It is advisable to avoid anthracycline during and up to seven months after the last dose of trastuzumab injection.

• Do the side effects of Trastuzumab Injection last for a chronic period? 
• All the side effects that are relatively caused by Trastuzumab Injection occur until the drug concentration stays in the body. It is found that this medicine will be contained in our body for almost 7 months after the final dose. 

•  How is Trastuzumab Injection administered?
• Trastuzumab Injection is given intravenously through infusion and the amount of drug will be measured based on the patient’s body weight, height and age.  The first dose will be administered for 90 minutes and if well tolerated the infusion time can be reduced to 30 minutes.

• Does Trastuzumab Injection have a black box warning?
• Trastuzumab injection can result in heart failure presenting as congestive cardiac failure and decreasing LVEF, especially when taken with anthracyclines. It is important to constantly monitor your heart health during this treatment up to 7 months after the last dose.

• Why is Trastuzumab Injection prescribed only for a year?
• Trastuzumab injection is prescribed for only a year due to its impact on the heart.